Winter Projects Continue

While we would like to be continuing on with the large quantity of tree removals we still have left, the weather has had a different plan for us.  Even though we may have had a wrench thrown into our plans we choose to use this time to be productive in other areas.  As previously mentioned, mechanic Rick Evans has been busy with reel and equipment maintenance.  The current weather conditions have given us turf guys a chance to give him a helping hand.

We have also used this time to restore some of our course supplies such as bunker rakes and the out-of-bounds post that run along the right side of #12.  To achieve this we are using vinyl sleeves that are heat shrunk onto the existing material.  The manufacturer of this product is a company called vinylguard (vinylguardgolf.com). 

O.B. Post-Before

O.B. Post-During

O.B. Post-After

Bunker Rakes-Before

Bunker Rakes-After

Lastly, we have been working on some much needed shop organization.  This involves the construction of shelving to give us the room to store our parts and supplies in an orderly fashion.  We still have a lot of work to do in the organization department but much progress has been made.

Protecting Turf In Extremely Wet Conditions

Rain and thawing has caused the course to become extremely wet over the last couple of days.  These types of conditions are ones where we try to restrict or avoid traffic, especially where greens are concerned.  If we were to allow play today we would be excessively contributing to turf wear, compaction and rutting.  One day of play when the greens are too soft and the foot printing alone can ruin ball roll for the entire winter or until it is firm enough to bring a piece of equipment back on them.  We don't know when this will be which means we need to attempt to be as careful as possible.  Tee boxes also need to be protected.  One day of foot traffic and divots on wet turf in January can wear out an area 10' x 6' that will not completely heal for 4 to 5 months.  One footprint or cart tire track on wet turf can cause that area (as small as it may be) to be over-compacted resulting in the death or thinning of that area in the summer months.  All of these factors contribute the decision to remain closed while the majority of the course is soggy like it is today.  We apologize for any inconvenience while we take the steps we believe to be necessary to maintain our course at a high level.  Let's continue to make our club one that we can be proud of for many years to come!

Winter Projects

While the latest round of frigged temperatures have slowed our progress a little, we have still been actively working on dead tree removals throughout the course.  This is a huge project and has required the majority of our resources over the last couple of weeks.  Besides tree work we have also been busy with equipment repair and maintenance with an emphasis on reel and bedknife sharpening and rebuilding.  

Future winter projects include:

-Removal of approximately 30 more dead trees

-Stump removals

-Addressing major engine issues with two of our maintenance vehicles

-Repair and maintenance of around 35 traction vehicles and maintenance vehicles

-Enlarging the putting surfaces by reducing the collar width.  This is to be achieved with a dormant mowing.

-Tying up loose ends on #1 drainage project and #13 drainage projects.

-Sod work around cart path edges

-Drainage work on #2 and #9 fairways

As you can see, we have a large list of issues that we would like to address before this upcoming season.  This list is only the tip of the iceberg in relation to what we would like to get done.  This can be extremely difficult when dealing with undesirable winter weather as well as reduced payroll and expense funds which is normal winter practice in the business of golf.  However, we will continue to work hard in an attempt to accomplish as much as possible prior to the return of warmer weather.